HANDA OPERA ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
aida 2015
An Ethiopian slave girl is secretly in love with the commander of the Egyptian armies. As Egypt prepares to march on Ethiopia, Aida faces a terrible choice: to save her country, she must betray the man she loves.
– Music by Verdi
``This is the most lavish yet of Opera Australia’s outdoor productions that have become such a much-anticipated annual event over the past four years``.
Huffington Post
A rebellion is brewing on Egypt’s borders, and for both the oppressor and the oppressed, loves and loyalties are about to be tested.
Egypt needs a hero to lead their army, and the High Priest has chosen Radamès. Egypt’s fortunes will turn on his sword, but Radamès has a higher purpose. Through victory in battle, he hopes to win the hand of the beautiful slave girl Aida – handmaiden to the princess Amneris, and secretly, an Ethiopian princess.
Aida is torn between her love for the Egyptian hero and her despair for the country he must march against – her homeland. And the Princess Amneris, who also desires Radamès, is beginning to have suspicions that her hero might prefer her slave. As Radamès returns to Egypt in triumph, Aida is greeted with a terrible sight – her father, the King of Ethiopia, is among the slaves.
Just when all seems lost, the King of Egypt deals another blow: promising the triumphant Radamès his daughter Amneris’ hand. On the banks of the Nile, the lovers arrange to meet one last time. But the conquered Ethiopian King has a plan to save his country. Aida has to make a devastating choice.
In the darkness, the King’s plan, Aida’s conflicted heart and Radamès’ steadfast love collide in a devastating finale.
cast & crew
Aida Latonia Moore and Daria Masiero
Radamès Walter Fraccaro and Arnold Rawls
Amneris Milijana Nikolic and Jacqueline Dark
Amonasro Michael Honeyman and Warwick Fyfe
Ramfis David Parkin and Conal Coad
The King Gennadi Dubinsky
High Priestess Eva Kong
Messenger Benjamin Rasheed
Conductor Brian Castles-Onion
Director Gale Edwards
Set and Costume Designer Mark Thompson
Lighting Designer Matt Scott
Sound Designer Tony David Cray
Choreographer Lucas Jervies
Site Designer Eamon D’Arcy
Assistant Director Andy Morton